Your Role As A Parent

How do you feel about talking to your daughter about such personal topics? Some mothers find it easy and comfortable, but some feel awkward and worried about what to say, and how and when to say it. After all, unless you've raised girls before, this is new territory. And your own mother may not have told you much of anything. It's normal to feel awkward. Just don't let this stop you from talking to your daughter.

Not Just One Talk
Remember that talking doesn't mean just one long session on bodies and the birds and bees. The best talking takes place in bits and pieces, over the years. Even a young girl can be curious about your menstrual pads or tampons, and can be told about your monthly flow. Then, when she's a bit older, there may be a chance to talk about body hair or breasts. Since menarche (the onset of menstruation) normally occurs some time between the ages of 9 and 16, you need to be alert to any bodily changes that tell you she's on her way to menarche. We recommend that you tell your daughter about menstruation before her first period. It can be very frightening and confusing to her if it happens before she understands.

How to Start
Perhaps your daughter will ask you a question, but don't wait for that to happen. Besides noticing signs of puberty in your daughter, look for any reference on TV or in a magazine to provide a natural opportunity for a conversation. You may feel better prepared if you review some basic information about puberty, anatomy and menstruation. Although you probably learned this information in the past, a review may be a good idea.

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The contents of this Web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical advice. You should consult your physician or health care provider on a regular basis. You should consult your physician immediately with any problem about which you are concerned.